Complications in cervical spine surgery are most frequent in cases involving trauma and spinal oncologic procedures, according to a report published in The Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques.
The study also found that incidence of early complications in cervical spine procedures is greater than was previously suspected. This difference most likely stems from the use of a broad definition for perioperative complications, elimination of recall bias through use of prospective assessment and an overall increase complexity in the cases.
Data was collected on 121 patients who underwent cervical spine surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital from May to Dec. 2008. The complications were graded for severity by a survey of spine surgeons and patients. An independent assessor also audited the complication incidence in the patient cohort. Data on the diagnosis, comorbidities, BMI, complications and length of stay were collected and considered during the analysis.
The overall incidence of early complications was 47.1 percent with a 40.5 percent incidence of minor complications and an 18.2 percent incidence of major complications. The major complications were greater in cases of infection (20 percent) and spinal oncologic procedures (30 percent). The total number of complications recorded was greater in cases of infection and neoplasm.
Read the abstract for "Incidence of Early Complications in Cervical Spine Surgery and Relation to Preoperative Diagnosis: A Single-Center Prospective Study."
Read other coverage on spine studies:
- Study Examines Medicolegal Suits Associated With Cervical Spine Surgery
- Study Finds Spine Surgeons Agree on When to Perform Surgery, Disagree on the Appropriate Procedure
- Study: Nonfusion Method for Treating Spinal Fractures Effective for Young Patients
The study also found that incidence of early complications in cervical spine procedures is greater than was previously suspected. This difference most likely stems from the use of a broad definition for perioperative complications, elimination of recall bias through use of prospective assessment and an overall increase complexity in the cases.
Data was collected on 121 patients who underwent cervical spine surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital from May to Dec. 2008. The complications were graded for severity by a survey of spine surgeons and patients. An independent assessor also audited the complication incidence in the patient cohort. Data on the diagnosis, comorbidities, BMI, complications and length of stay were collected and considered during the analysis.
The overall incidence of early complications was 47.1 percent with a 40.5 percent incidence of minor complications and an 18.2 percent incidence of major complications. The major complications were greater in cases of infection (20 percent) and spinal oncologic procedures (30 percent). The total number of complications recorded was greater in cases of infection and neoplasm.
Read the abstract for "Incidence of Early Complications in Cervical Spine Surgery and Relation to Preoperative Diagnosis: A Single-Center Prospective Study."
Read other coverage on spine studies:
- Study Examines Medicolegal Suits Associated With Cervical Spine Surgery
- Study Finds Spine Surgeons Agree on When to Perform Surgery, Disagree on the Appropriate Procedure
- Study: Nonfusion Method for Treating Spinal Fractures Effective for Young Patients